2026 Annual OTE Networking Event

REGISTRATION IS OPEN! ---> https://bit.ly/4wo8rbB
Date: Friday, September 25
Time: 3:00-8:00pm
Location: KUMC Health Education Building
2146 W 39th Ave, Kansas City, KS 66103
We are thrilled to announce that the 2026 Annual KU Occupational Therapy Education Networking Event is set for Friday, September 25, 2026, at KU Medical Center in Kansas City, Kansas. The event is planned for 3-8 p.m., with additional details to come.
This year’s event will feature a dynamic lineup of activities, including interactive roundtable discussions, poster presentations and multiple networking opportunities designed to connect practitioners, educators, students, alumni and community partners.
Attendees will also have the opportunity to earn continuing education units while engaging in meaningful conversations and learning from colleagues across the field. Whether you are looking to expand your professional network, gain new insights or celebrate incredible achievements, this is an event you won’t want to miss.
We are honored that Distinguished Health Professions Alumnus, William J. Howard III, Col., Retired, OT ’82, has accepted our invitation to deliver the keynote address. Col. Howard has made a significant impact in interdisciplinary practice through his leadership and extensive professional experience.
We are excited to open up nominations for the Community Impact Award! This award honors an individual who demonstrates outstanding volunteerism and service, recognizing those who make meaningful contributions to improving the lives of others and strengthening their community. Eligibility: Nominees must be graduates of a program within the KU Department of Occupational Therapy. The award will be presented at the event. Recipients are strongly encouraged to attend the event and accept the award in person. Submit a nomination here: https://forms.office.com/pages/responsepage.aspx?id=PhAqUetB_0K-KEo0FzsYAytJE1UF0-REgDzWKKFlnA1UMzNHRDZUQ1NRTzdVVVc0RzUzRURNMERMVSQlQCN0PWcu&route=shorturl
SCHEDULE OF EVENTS
3 p.m. Welcome and Introduction (Ad Astra Room, 5th Floor Health Education Bldg.)
3:40 p.m. Roundtable Discussions (2nd Floor HEB)
Roundtable 1: School-Based Practice & Early Intervention — Facilitators: Lauren Foster, OTD, OTR/L, and Jeni Herman, OTR/L — Room HEB2213
Roundtable 2: Issues in Research — Facilitator: Lauren Trent, MOT, OTR/L, and Makenna Snyder, MSOT, OTR/L — Room HEB2223 (faculty member: Adriana Queiroz, Ph.D.)
Roundtable 3: Outpatient Care — Facilitator: Laurie Steen, OTD, OTR/L — Room HEB2237 (faculty member: Natalie Scott, OTD, OTR/L)
Roundtable 4: Inpatient Care — Facilitator: Bailey Borgmier, OTR/L, and Blake Spanjer, OTD, OTR/L — Room HEB2247 (Faculty member: Lacy Wright, OTD, OTR/L)
Roundtable 5: Community-Based Practice and Private Practice — Facilitator: Hannah Earley, OTR/L, and Katie Schmanke, OTD, OTR/L — Room HEB2249 (Faculty member: Denise Sangoi, OTD, OTR/L)
4:50 p.m. Keynote Address (Ad Astra Room, HEB)
Keynote Speaker: Distinguished Health Professions Alumnus, William J. Howard III, Col., Retired, OT ’82
Keynote Theme: finding joy and satisfaction in your professional and personal life; why connection matters in achieving it in both domains of life.
5:30 p.m. Community Impact Award (Ad Astra Room, HEB)
5:45 p.m. Poster Sessions and Networking (HEB)